Driving Without Insurance Solicitor in Manchester

The first question is whether you were insured after all. A valid policy or cover note in force at the time is a complete answer to the charge. Policies are sometimes shown incorrectly on the database, cancelled without proper notice, or extended to cover other vehicles in ways the police do not see at the roadside.

If someone else, such as your employer or a hire company, was responsible for arranging cover, that can also be relevant to the charge.

Many of these prosecutions arise from genuine confusion: a policy that was believed to be in force, a company vehicle the employer said was covered, a broker cancellation never received. If you honestly and reasonably believed you were insured, and that belief was induced by someone else, the court can find special reasons.

Where special reasons are found, the court can decline to endorse any points. For a driver close to 12 points, or whose job depends on driving, that can make a very real difference. The argument has to be prepared carefully with documents and, usually, evidence from you in court.

Driving without insurance carries 6 to 8 penalty points and a fine, and the court has a discretion to disqualify instead. Six points on its own can be enough to reach 12 if you already have points, which brings in a totting up disqualification. New drivers within two years of passing their test should also be aware that 6 points can lead to their licence being revoked.

Police can also seize a vehicle being driven without insurance, and if it is not reclaimed with valid cover and the fees paid, it can be destroyed. If your car has been seized, act quickly and keep every document relating to your insurance.

Motoring cases from across Manchester are usually heard at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Crown Square, Manchester M60 1PR. The court and date for your hearing will be on your charge sheet, postal requisition or single justice procedure notice.

Sean attends Manchester Magistrates' Court regularly and knows how listings work there, including the busiest morning courts where motoring cases are called on. If your case is indicted or sent to the Crown Court, he will explain what that means for you at the outset.

You do not need to travel to get advice. Most of Sean's Manchester clients start with a free phone call, and consultations can be done by phone or video at a time that suits you, including evenings where the case is urgent.

Clients come to Sean from across the city, including Manchester city centre, Didsbury, Chorlton, Gorton and Wythenshawe. You deal with Sean directly from the first call to the final hearing, not a call handler or a case worker.

This page is general information, not legal advice on your case. Every case depends on its own facts, so speak to Sean about your situation before you decide anything.

STR Legal Ltd is a consultancy, not an SRA-regulated law firm. Legal services are provided through SRA-regulated law firms, as explained on our how we work page.